hi guys,
I need to understand the physics behind "Strut Tower Brace".TRD's is a one piece but i've seen pictures of others that are not.The others give me the impression that there are rotational forces at work the elbows of these braces.If this is so, then there should be no rotational forces involved with TRD's product, If true, why is this?,and which is a more practical application for everyday driving. Does one result in more flexable ride as compared to another.
thanks guys,
clive.

 

now that is a good question. i never actually thought about it like that. it would seem that a one piece unit would allow less flex as the joint in the "3 piece" would allow a certain amount. although i havent installed mine yet, i dont really think that ride suffers that much due to the fact that you are only stiffening the chassis from flex. i would think that things such as springs, shocks and tires/wheels would have a more profound effect on ride quality. anyone please enlighten.


Doc

 

The strength of the strut tower brace is far greater in tension and compression. If the two points connected by the bar try to move closer together they can only do it by compressing the bar. If they want to move farther apart, they will put the bar in tension. If the two points move for and aft, the bar won't do anything, including the situation where one tower moves forward and the other aft. This is the reason why some bars will complete the triangle and attach back to the firewall although I haven't seen any of those made for the GS yet. The vast majority of bars out there are designed, not engineered. I believe you are talking about a few different designs as far as how they might handle rotational forces but I doubt it really makes much difference. The strength of these bars is just not there for anything other than compression and tension. The mount to the strut tower and the attach of the bar to the mount, despite how they look, would very likely not add much stiffness to the chassis. By that I mean that loads that would cause the strut towers to move for and aft have a lot to overcome with the chassis itself, a bolt of two and a plate will not add much. But for the towers to get closer together or farther apart in a direct linear fashion between the two, would have to compress or stretch the bar, and that is where the strength is. Single piece, multiple piece, as long as the linear strength of the bar is not compromised, doesn't make much difference. As far as ride is concerned, I doubt that anything going on with chassis flex can be felt one way or another. Might just as well pick the bar with the color/finish you want and whose initials you want to advertise.

 

RON430, well said.

 

What he said...

I have had the 1-piece TRD bar and now have a 3-piece UGO CF bar and I can honestly say that I didn't feel a difference. I did a canyon run with the TRD just before I replaced it and then did the same run immediately after I put in the UGO CF STB...no difference to me...

I did it just cuz I wanted my front STB to match my rear....I'm picky like that....

 

thanks guys,
Ilike the look of the UGO, i think the is the one that is CF with red brackets, but i'll color my brackets black to match the interior of the engine bay, the rred stands out a little to much for me.The first time i saw it ilicked it, and then overtime the red started to annoy me,strange but true.Different strokes for different folks.
thanks, clive.

 

Here are a couple pics for your color questions.



My UGO Installed Page